Friday, December 18, 2015

Meet Colleen Collins--Author of MISTLETOE AND MURDER IN LAS VEGAS, a #Christmas #Romantic-#Mystery





Hello everyone,

 I'm delighted to be a guest on Karen Rose Smith's blog. Like Karen, I'm a big cat lover (two are sleeping next to me as I write this) and I enjoy writing romantic mysteries with strong family themes. All of which describe my new book, "Mistletoe and Murder in Las Vegas," a story about a down-on-her-luck lawyer, a special agent visited by the past, and an arson dog named Maggie who join forces to rescue the holiday spirit. Because it is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year.


To celebrate the release, I'm giving away a $50 Amazon gift card via Tasty Tours (Visit TastyBookTours.com). The book will also be on sale for 99 cents through December 18 on Amazon.

 Wishing you all the joys and happiness of the holiday season.  

 Colleen

MISTLETOE AND MURDER (Affairs To Remember, Book One) by Colleen Collins


All 31-year-old, Las Vegas criminal lawyer Joanne Galvin wants for Christmas is a client—or three—so she can make ends meet. Instead she’s roped into defending the notorious Timepiece Arsonist; tracked by a hunky special agent and his arson dog; and chased by a serial killer. Just when her life is starting to feel like the Nightmare Before Christmas, she receives an unexpected gift that offers hope that this holiday season could be the most wonderful time of the year...






MISTLETOE AND MURDER IN LAS VEGAS on Amazon









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 STAGED TO DEATH on Amazon

STAGED TO DEATH on Barnes and Noble


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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Thursday, December 17, 2015

How #Tabby #Cats Received Their "M," A Christmas Story--#Cats This Week by Karen Rose Smith



The holiday season is filled with myths and legends explaining many of the symbols and customs that surround us at this time of the year. Since I am a feline lover, one of my favorite myths is how tabby cats got the 'M' that is often so prominent on their foreheads above the eyes. It has been circulating on social media, so I thought I would share it with you today, along with pictures of some very special furry babies who would do exactly what the cat in the story did to earn him his unique 'M' mark. 

 How Did Tabby Cats Receive Their 'M'?

All tabbies have an 'M' marking on their forehead, and on some this mark is very distinct. The 'M' is often referred to as 'the mark of the true tabby'.

There are several legends about how tabby cats got their 'M' marking.

Sunnybud proudly displays his true tabby 'M'.
The most popular of these legends tells us that when the baby Jesus was lying in the manger he started to shiver with the cold. Mary covered the baby with blankets but still he kept shivering. Mary then ask all the animals to move closer to the manger so that their body heat would warm Jesus. The animals stood as close to the manger as they could but the baby Jesus remained cold and shivering. After a time a small cat with tabby markings jumped into the manger and snuggled next to Jesus. Before long the baby had stopped shivering and was sound asleep, contented and warm.


In her gratitude to the tabby, Mary made the mark of her own initial, upon the cat's forehead so that tabby cats will forever remind the world of how they saved Jesus from the cold.


Halo loves the warmth of the bed and would have been the
first to jump in the crib to snuggle with the baby. Her gentle
spirit and wonderful maternal skills would have earned her
Mary's special mark.


London's 'M' was very prominent when she
was a kitten and, even though many of her
other markings have faded, her 'M' is still
prominent today.



Mason, Halo's second-born kitten also sports
the 'M' amid his beautiful facial markings. 
My wish for you this holiday season is that you will be touched by the warmth and kindness of those closest to you and that their love will leave an indelible mark on your heart that will last a lifetime.

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TOYS AND BABY WISHES on sale for $.99 at Amazon




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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



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Tuesday, December 15, 2015

#Craft Projects As #Christmas #Presents by Karen Rose Smith






When I do crafts throughout the year, I think about Christmas presents and who would appreciate a handcrafted gift.
One year I crocheted afghans for many people on my list.
Another I made scarves on a loom.
Many summers, I dried roses from our garden and made sachets with the petals.

 Long ago, when craft stores were thriving, my husband, son and I would visit them together, especially when snow began falling and we expected to be trapped indoors for a few days. I would find a crewelwork to stitch and my husband and son would often choose latchhooks projectsfor hangings or rugs. It was a family time, and now I appreciate how much we enjoyed doing that together.

 After my dad retired, he took up acrylic and watercolor painting. When he passed on, I kept his paints and decided to try my hand at both. I found I enjoyed the watercolor medium best. Life got busy and writing took up more and more of my time, and I left the art behind.

But this year, with my love of cats a major passion, I decided to pick it up again and try feline portraits. I found watercolor painting with music or an audio book playing in the background is as relaxing as gardening. I forget about everything else and focus on the cat in front of me. Since family and friends are cat lovers too, the watercolor paintings will make wonderful presents.
Baking is another craft I enjoy. I start baking cookies after Thanksgiving and freeze them so I can give an assortment at Christmas to friends and family.
Do you enjoy crafting? Feel free to share in the comments.

 Have a wonderful holiday season.
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HER SISTER, Book 7 in Karen's 
SEARCH FOR LOVE series

Contemporary women's fiction with romance and mystery

Clare's little sister, Lynnie, was abducted twenty-seven years ago.  Now the retired detective who has never been able to let go of the cold case has a lead.  Lynnie could be alive!

Clare's neighbor, Joe, an occasional friend until now, gives her support and...wants more than friendship.

Clare's mom, Amanda, thrown together again with her ex-husband into a crisis discovers forgotten love beneath the regrets.

Clare's sixteen year old daughter, Shara, decides to run from her problems instead of facing them.

A devoted sister, a turmoiled mom and a rebellious daughter find their way back to each other in this contemporary ebook about three generations who discover love can knit their family back together again.



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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Thursday, December 10, 2015

#Cats This Week--Catching Up With Paddy's #Brother Mason by Karen Rose Smith


After Halo delivered her litter of three kittens, we were left with the dilemma of finding homes for the new arrivals. Fortunately, the process became easier when two of my friends expressed interest in adopting kittens. Tia and Mason went to loving forever homes and have been the joy of their new families for the past year. Both families had other cats and Mason and Tia integrated well. Although Mason is five hours away, we receive occasional updates and photos. This week I'd like to share some of them with you.

Mason had a wonderful mother. Halo cared for and protected
her babies in a way that touched our hearts and taught us about
unconditional love.  Here Mason and Halo share a quiet moment
before Mason left for his forever home.

Mason has become best buddy with his new brother George. They are constantly together and George helps distract Mason's occasional desire to harass his two older "sisters" who would prefer to be left alone. But even George can't always control Mason's mischievous tendencies and Mason has to do some "time out"--perhaps an outside stroll in his carrier to give him time to regroup and reorder his priorities.  





Mason is affectionate and loves to take his share of the bed out of the middle or on top of whatever "warm" creature is available. And as is evident in the photos below, he never misses a meal or treat call.



We are so glad that Mason has found a wonderful forever home. We know he is cared for and cherished. And from the photo below we can assume that he doesn't have a care in the world...other than being the furry friend and brother of a family who loves him to bits!



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TOYS AND BABY WISHES on sale for $.99 at Amazon





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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 



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Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Meet Heather Heyford--Author of A TASTE OF SAKE, a #Contemporary #Romance



I met Heather through our area writers group--Central Pennsylvania Romance Writers. She also writes for Kensington Books (Lyrical Press). If you like contemporary romances, you will enjoy her series, The Napa Wine Heiresses.  Here is a message from Heather:


"Love One Another" . . .  That's the theme of the season. Unconditional love is also the theme of my latest release, A TASTE OF SAKE. But it's hard to feel like you're deserving of love when your father never publicly acknowledged you and your mother kicked you to the curb. So when impoverished Sake St. Pierre finally is welcomed into the magnificent home that is her birthright, it's no wonder she has a tough time believing she's worthy of it. Only her compassionate sisters and the patience and understanding of a kind, honest man convince Sake that she can trust without reservation.

I hope this holiday season finds you happy and loved, and I'm wishing you the best new year ever. Cheers! 

Heather Heyford


 A TASTE OF SAKE (The Napa Wine Heiresses) by Heather Heyford:

Sake, the half-Japanese, all-wild love child of wine maker Xavier St. Pierre, is dragged against her will to meet her 3 accomplished sisters, Chardonnay, Sauvignon and Merlot. Along the way, Sake loses her job, her dog, and her heart. Can the black sheep of the family ever measure up to her fancy siblings? And how will she learn to trust mild-mannered Realtor Bill Diamond, when rejection is all she’s ever known?

A TASTE OF SAKE on Amazon
A TASTE OF SAKE on Barnes and Noble




Other Books in Heather's Napa Wine Heiresses series:
A TASTE OF CHARDONNAY, Book 1
A TASTE OF MERLOT, Book 2
A TASTE OF SAUVIGNON, Book 3
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 STAGED TO DEATH on Amazon

STAGED TO DEATH on Barnes and Noble


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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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Sunday, December 6, 2015

Meet Scarlett Dunn--Author of FINDING PROMISE, a #Historical #Inspirational #Romance





Hi, readers!  Scarlett and I both write for Kensington Books.  I thought you'd enjoy a peek into her historical, inspirational romance--FINDING PROMISE.  Here is a message from Scarlett.

 Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to my lovely readers!

As I've had my nose stuck in a computer screen for the entire year, I've been remiss in telling all of those who have supported me how much I value you. It has been such a joy to know that I have had the opportunity to entertain some of you with my stories. I love writing inspirational stories featuring characters who face difficult circumstances and come out stronger, with the knowledge God is always by their side. We will all face difficulties in life, but I've found it helps to give thanks through those bleak times and recognize He hasn't abandoned us. He is seeing us through the darkness.

 My wish for you this coming year is that you follow your dreams. God doesn't put a dream in your heart unless He also gives you the ability to see it through. It may not be easy, it most likely won't be easy, but stay the course. When you are old and look back on your life, you don't want to waste one minute on a "what if" question. Dreams come true with action. Take action by taking the first step. I am certain someone will help you along.

 I wish you all a blessed Christmas and New Year.

Scarlett

FINDING PROMISE by Scarlet Dunn

A trail of danger and dreams…

She may be an heiress, but Parker Promise Sinclair cares more about living an adventurous life than snaring a suitable husband. So it’s no surprise when she joins a Wyoming wagon trail—only to survive a massacre that leaves her with no memory, a target on her back—and her abiding faith tested by the only man who can possibly protect her. 

His gunfighting skills and trail savvy have saved U.S. Marshal Jake McBride more times than he can count. And his instincts tell him the only way to keep Promise alive is to take her along on his high-stakes cattle drive. But she soon proves she can ride and shoot with the best of them—and Jake finds it increasingly difficult to keep himself from falling for her. Soon, with danger closing in, they'll have only one chance to face their doubts, their fears—and their growing love…

FINDING PROMISE was named by Booklist as one of the Top 10 Inspirational Novels of 2015!
 Booklist STARRED REVIEW

FINDING PROMISE--Preorder on Amazon

FINDING PROMISE--Preorder on Barnes and Noble

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 STAGED TO DEATH on Amazon

STAGED TO DEATH on Barnes and Noble


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USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 


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